NO POWER!?! VF700F 85'

Hi all just getting around to starting the bike up for the first time and I have a battery/power problem. I replaced the de-ionised water and charged the battery, all good showing 12.5V and have a tester that says the battery is good. I started with the little things like indicators/headlight, brake light, etc... Then I went for the biggy, pushed the start button.... click, everything went dead.

Turned the bike off and then on... Dead
Checked the fuse box and the relay, all ok
Disconnected the battery, checked charge - ok
Stuck Battery on trickle charge for 48 hours, reconnected - 12.4V
Turned the key - nothing.

I've been multi-metering everything going but don't seem to know what is going on. are there any extra fuses im missing that might have blown? The one in the starter solenoid is good as are the 6/7 by the key...

Ideas on a postcard please - might try another battery just for fun.

 

Because you didn't specifically say you checked the main fuse... did you check the main fuse?
It's located on the relay. On the 85 it should be a blade style 30 amp.

 

Yep, one of the first things I tried. Its not a blade fuse, its like a flat inline piece of metal.

thanks for the reply

 

on a 85? Weird. Try another battery for giggles. Or connect a car battery (not running).
And did you pull out the fuse and inspect?

Also put ignition switch in "Park" and see if you have taillight.

 

I have a spare car batt that's charged - that was my next step. Give it a little bump.

Other than that im thinking something may have grounded somewhere?

 

Did the battery tester test for amperage? Also double check all the connectors from the handlebar switches , fuse block and ignition switch ( don't ask )

 

Does not give me a read out -just states "battery good". I was a little concerned about the controls on the handle bars, but up until everything went dead the controls seemed to work fine.

will do some more testing and report back

 

Check and clean the grounds and check the position of the kill switch.

 

Would the kill switch stop the dash lights working?

 

No.

 

Did you check for a tail light in the "park" position?

 

When you say you replaced the deionised water, I am assuming you mean topped up. The electrolyte is sulphuric acid and you cannot just replace it.

 

Yep

Im thinking the battery has had it. Also I noticed that if I "jiggle the key" the voltage shoots up and down.

Just purchased a new battery and ignition barrel, oh well

 

Ok, doing my head in now.

New Yuasa Battery
New starter solenoid
New bulbs
New ignition barrel

Still no power 12V at solenoid when off, 0v at solenoid when on, no power anywhere when on position. Checked all earths...

Fire time?!

 

When you say "ignition barrel", do you mean a whole new unit?

 

Yep, key, barrel, wiring

 

Hot wire the bike to eliminate the low likely hood it could still be that. Harness side connect the Black and Black/Red with a jumper.
Just a sanity check.

 

it's possible to remove the lower, switch part from the barrel assembly and clean the contacts before you proceed to inspect/clean contacts in the plug between ign switch and wiring harness.

 

Fixed it.....

You'll laugh....

Newly Powder-coated frame = rubbish earth!!! I'm an idiot!